Methods and apparatus for locking element
The disclosed system, device, and apparatus for a locking element generally includes a force device having a suitable shape to fit around a plurality of coupled elements. This re-usable force device reduces unwanted and unintended rotation of coupled elements. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted, or otherwise optionally modified to realize improved locking function.
1. A force device suitably adapted for use between a plurality of couplers, comprising:
a first substantially U shaped base;
a second substantially U shaped base; and
a flexible support structure connecting the first substantially U shaped base to the second substantially U shaped base,
wherein said force device is placed around connecting surfaces of a plurality of couplers; and
said force device is configured to:
contract and present a locking force on the couplers as tightening torque is applied to the couplers; and
expand when said tightening torque forces are removed, and
wherein said first and second substantially U shaped bases are aligned and spaced along a common axis with the openings of the U shapes being transverse to said common axis so that said force device can be moved radially into position around the connecting surfaces.
2. The force device of claim 1 , wherein said connection is made between a plurality of couplers and the force device is engaged, a locking force is applied between a plurality of couplers.
3. The force device of claim 1 , wherein the first substantially U shaped base of said force device is suitably sized to attach to said coupler at a point of surface change of the coupler.
4. The force device of claim 1 , wherein the force device is designed to allow the outer surfaces of a plurality of couplers to pass through until a point of surface change of the coupler.
5. The force device of claim 1 , wherein said force device is further configured as a reusable device.
6. The force device of claim 5 , wherein said force device restricts vibration induced separation of the couplers when engaged between a plurality of couplers.
7. The force device of claim 5 , wherein said force device restricts cyclic motion induced separation of the couplers when engaged between a plurality of couplers.
8. The force device of claim 5 , wherein said force device restricts undesired separation of the couplers when engaged between a plurality of couplers.
9. The force device of claim 1 , wherein said force device may be applied to the connected couplers after initial connection between a plurality of couplers is established.
10. The force device of claim 1 , wherein said force device does not require additional manual manipulation once attached at the base of a coupler.
11. The force device of claim 1 , wherein said force device does not completely obscure the outer surface of the couplers when engaged between a plurality of couplers.
12. A mechanical locking system suitably adapted for use around a plurality of threaded couplers, comprising:
a first substantially U shaped base;
a second substantially U shaped base; and
a flexible support structure connecting the first substantially U shaped base to the second substantially U shaped base,
wherein said mechanical locking device is placed around connecting surfaces of a plurality of threaded fasteners and said mechanical locking device is configured to:
contract as tightening torque is applied to the threaded fasteners, and
expand when said tightening torque forces are removed, and
wherein said first and second substantially U shaped bases are aligned and spaced along a common axis with the openings of the U shapes being transverse to said common axis so that said force device can be moved radially into position around the connecting surfaces.
13. The mechanical locking system of claim 12 , wherein said threaded couplers comprises subminiature connectors.
14. The mechanical locking system of claim 12 , wherein said mechanical locking system is further configured as a reusable device.
15. The mechanical locking system of claim 12 , wherein the force application device is engaged, a locking force is applied between a plurality of subminiature connectors.
16. The mechanical locking system of claim 15 , wherein said force application device restricts vibration induced separation of the subminiature connectors when engaged.
17. The mechanical locking system of claim 15 , wherein said force application device restricts cyclic motion induced separation of the subminiature connectors when engaged.
18. The mechanical locking system of claim 15 , wherein said force application device restricts undesired separation of the subminiature connectors when engaged.
19. The mechanical locking system of claim 12 , wherein said force application device may be applied to a plurality of connected subminiature connectors after initial connection between a plurality of subminiature connectors is established.
20. The mechanical locking system of claim 12 , wherein said force application device requires no additional manual manipulation once attached at the base of a subminiature connector.